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A plea for the plausible in historical novels *
The American novelist Edmund White published an essay in a recent issue of the Times Literary Supplement -- the most highbrow review of books in the commercial media -- that addresses issues all writers of fiction have grappled with.
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Bandbox: GQ for flappers *
You'd almost think Bandbox, Tom Mallon's jaunty novel about a men's fashion magazine, was written in the 1920s, never mind set in it. But don't be misled by its jazzy tone into assuming you can give the book just a light read. The plot is as thick as its office politics, and requires close attention, or you'll muddle the art director with the stylist and have to backtrack to see how a koala bear got on a boat to Australia.
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The real conspiracy of The Da Vinci Code (Garber commentary) *****
In the beginning, there was the book. And the book was The Da Vinci Code, Dan Brown's juicy thriller involving the Holy Grail, violent sects, wild sex, a Vatican-sanctioned cover-up and, at its heart, the core belief that "almost everything our fathers taught us about Christianity is false."
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The Da Vinci Code: Cracking a bestseller's code *
Was Jesus the Son of God? Married to Mary Magdalene? The Da Vinci Code has sparked new speculation, REBECCA CALDWELL writes.
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The Navigator of New York ****
Is this novel going to collect major awards and park itself on bestseller lists for months?
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The Scorpions Strike: Green Stone of Healing Book Three *****
The Scorpions Strike is face-paced, action-packed and full of surprises. Just when you think you have figured out where these events might be heading, everything you imagined is thrown out the window.
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Tracy Chevalier: Girl with the pearl history *
Author Tracy Chevalier talks to RAY CONLOGUE about a new film, a new book, and an old label.
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A Carol heard 'round the world *
Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol is to charity what the New Testament is to Christianity. But Dickens actually wrote his shortest, most popular novel in a desperate attempt to cop some cash.
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The Time Traveler's Wife: A first novel anointed by Brad and Jennifer ****
Talk about winning the literary lottery. The film rights to visual artist Audrey Niffenegger's first novel were snapped up by Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston -- before publication, REBECCA CALDWELL writes.
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Will Susanna Clarke follow in the footsteps of J. K Rowling? *
Although it has not yet been published in her native Britain, Susanna Clarke's first novel, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell, has been sold in 23 countries. A fantastical tale of practical magic, reviewers' copies have reportedly sold for more than $200 on eBay. Today, we meet the woman behind the hype. . .
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